Cliff was born June 22, 1921, in Miles City, MT., the oldest of three children born to Oren and Lettie Cason. At an early age, the family moved to western Montana, and they lived in Heron, Pablo, and St. Ignatius, where Cliff graduated from high school in 1939.
Cliff attended school at UW in Seattle. Helen LaRue, his girlfriend and then love from nearby Hot Springs, attended UM in Missoula – and many a weekend, Cliff would hitchhike from Seattle to Missoula to spend time with her. He had many interesting stories about those times and the people he met. Later, he enlisted in the Navy and spent his military time on Whidbey Island as a radar operator. He was very proud of his service to his country. During this time, he also became a licensed electrician.
Helen graduated June 10, 1946, from the Pharmacy School, and that evening, Cliff and Helen were married at the Tri Delta Sorority House. They settled in Missoula, where Cliff went to work for the telephone company, “Ma Bell.” His career spanned almost 40 years, working in various positions in Missoula, Helena, Denver, and Cheyenne. During this time, Helen worked as a relief pharmacist, and they welcomed three daughters to the family: Kathy, Nancy, and Denae.
After retirement, Cliff and Helen opened the Cason Art Gallery on the downtown walking mall in Helena, featuring local and international artists of differing styles and techniques. They also traveled frequently, wintering in Hawaii as a favorite destination. They spent time in New Zealand, Australia, Tasmania, and England, often staying at bed and breakfasts, where they made many new friends. They also traveled around the US, often to a jazz festivals. Their favorite destinations included New Orleans and Kalispell, and they enjoyed participating in any jazz function held in Helena.
The Cason Gallery was open for 13 years until Cliff truly retired from business, but continued to stay in touch with the art and jazz worlds. He was always interested in politics and followed local and national elections. He was proud of voting in every election he was eligible to vote.
Cliff enjoyed the stock market, jigsaw puzzles, playing bridge, and doing the crosswords. He always said, “Why make a mistake?” So he did them in ink, even the Sunday New York Times. He and Helen loved to raise orchids, travel, enjoy gourmet food and wine, and a dry martini. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and was ordained a ruling elder, serving on various committees. He was proud to serve on the board at WestMont. He was also a lifelong member of the Masons and a member of the Telephone Pioneers. In his later years, Cliff mastered the computer and spent many hours investing in the stock market and playing games.
Cliff and Helen raised their daughters with love and pride. When asked if he wanted boys, Dad said the boys would be around soon enough and he was correct. All three girls married wonderful men, and the grandchildren and great grandchildren that followed were a source of love and joy. After 20 years of planning his dream home was completed in 1968, and he never changed a thing, declaring it perfect. He took great pride in welcoming his family and friends there.
Dad was most proud of his family, his military service, his dedication to his careers, and to being a responsible citizen. He was noted for being kind and friendly with people, as well as having a very positive attitude and outlook toward life. He was always outgoing, enjoying people and parties. He was known for using big words and creative ways of saying things. He loved to tell long stories about past exploits, using all the wonderful words he could. He was logical, observant, creative and could fix most any problem you gave him. He held a patent on a board game he invented, and tried a number of different pursuits, none of which made the fortune he was seeking – but he did enjoy everything he tried.
In his late 80’s, dementia began to take a toll on Dad’s good health, and in November of 2013, he moved to Rosetta Assisted Living, where he made new friends and was given outstanding care by a loving staff that adopted him as their own. In January of 2014, Mom passed away. Although he knew she was gone, he was unable to share his thoughts with us. He lived peacefully at Rosetta, watching the staff and residents and participating when he was able. Frequent visits from his family kept him part of the family.
Known throughout his life as “the King,” he truly was a fine man. He leaves behind daughters and husbands Kathy and Allen, Nancy and Michael, and Denae and Morris; grandchildren and spouses Tara and Corey, Kristen and Levi, Mark and Spenser, Tyler and Eric; and great grandchildren Jacey, Haley, Austin, Kya, and Harper. We mourn his loss but celebrate the wonderful gift he was to all of us. He is at peace. We love you Dad!
Burial with Military Honors will be held at Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 22, 2014. A Memorial Service will follow the burial at 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 22, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church, 535 N. Ewing St., Helena, with a reception immediately following the service in the social center of the church.
Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Cliff.
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 22, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Rd.
Ft. Harrison , Montana 59635
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday December 22, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Monday December 22, 2014
Social Center of the church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Burial with Military Honors
11:00 a.m.
Monday December 22, 2014
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heros Rd.
Ft. Harrison , Montana 59635
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Monday December 22, 2014
First Presbyterian Church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
After the service
Monday December 22, 2014
Social Center of the church
535 N. Ewing St.
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Kelly LaFountaine says
Kathy and Al,
We will all miss your dad tremendously. Thank you so much for the opportunity to be apart of your lives. My heart is heavy today thinking of all the smiles I will miss so much.
Love you all
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Kathy,Alan and the Cason Family,
We were so sorry to learn of your Dad’s passing. Your folks were truly wonderful, caring people and we are better people for having known then and feel so fotunate that they called us friends. Cliff will surely be missed. Treasure your memories of all the good times as a family until you are all reunited again. We send our Love and Sincere sympathy.
Annie Tavary says
Kathy, Alan and Mark…
I am so sorry. I sat with Cliff just the other day for a while. He was a sweet man with a great smile. It has been a trying year for you with your mom passing as well, so I have been keeping you all in my prayers. God bless you. I have my love wrapped around you.
Annie!
Bob and Mary Hecht says
Kathy, Alan, and Family,
We are so sorry to hear of Cliff’s passing, What a treat both your dad and mom were!
You emulate so many of both of their fine qualities, so in you, they live on, even if in just some small way. We feel so privileged to have gotten to know your parents and benefit from their warmth and good living. We pray that you will find comfort in all of your fond memories.
Isaiah 26:19- “Your dead will live. My corpses will rise up. Awake and shout joyfully, You residents in the dust! For your dew is as the dew of the morning, And the earth will let those powerless in death come to life.”
With Deepest Sympathy, Bob and Mary Hecht
Elke Houser says
Kathy, Nancy, Denae and family, what beautiful tribute to a truly wonderful man! I was thinking about him and you all just a couple days ago. I am so grateful to have been able to know him. Pray the happy memories of your Dad help give you comfort at this time. With heartfelt sympathy, Elke Houser
Tonna Strasko says
Kathy, Allen, and families, our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. God bless.
Butch and Pearle Plowman says
Most sincere condolences on the loss of your dear father,grandfather and great grandfather. May you rest in the knowledge that our Lord will carry you through and be your strength in this time of grief. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Rose Crocker says
I worked for your Dad for many years at the telephone company and have many good memories of that time. My husband Ray and I spent many times visiting with both of your folks over the years. They were both so cheerful all the time that it was a joy to be around them. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I am sorry I will not be able to attend the services but will be there in spirit.
Arlene Flynn says
West Mont was saddened to hear about our long-term friend’s passing. We have missed seeing Cliff’s friendly face at our monthly Development Committee meetings these past few years. He was such a wonderful supporter of our organization and helped make a BIG difference in the lives of many people with disabilities. A Memorial Leaf with Cliff’s name will be added to our Memory Tree at the Caldwell House so that he will continue to be part of organization for years to come. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Shirley (Nordstrom) McKnight says
Cathy, Allen and Family,
Thinking of all of you and keeping you in my prayers.
Linda Duntsch says
Thinking of you all…
Kathy and Larry Dreyer says
Dear Cathy and All of the Family,
We have so many fond memories of your parents at the many jazz activities over the years. It was a close-knit jazz family over many years in many cities. We remember how close they were to each other, a great example of what a wonderful marriage can be. It’s never easy when they grow old. We’re thinking about you and praying for you. Love, Kathy and Larry
Valerie and Bob Raisch says
Kathy and Allen and family,
Sorry to read on-line that your Dad has passed on but now he is with his beloved wife Helen and also with Jesus. Please accept our deepest condolences.
We remember fondly the night they had us over to their home before we took our first trip to Hawaii! So enjoyed them when we were all in the same church and will remember them fondly always.
God’s blessings and may His love and your many wonderful memories sustain you and bring you peace.
Love, Valerie and Bob